"It is a temporary allocation of time, Benny," Lyra replied, though a tiny, nearly invisible quirk of her lips betrayed her amusement. "So let us make it efficient. Our specialty tonight is the double cheeseburger and the cherry pie. I highly recommend the milkshakes. They are the only items on the menu with a consistent quality index."
"I'll take a chocolate milkshake and a cheeseburger," Benny said instantly, completely throwing her strict, low-calorie ridge diet out the window.
"Make it two," I added, looking at Lyra.
Lyra flagged down a passing co-worker, quickly reciting our order with her usual rapid-fire precision before turning her focus back to us.
Sitting there in her own element, Lyra looked entirely relaxed. The contrast was incredible. Just hours ago, she had been standing
